Frank Samuel Johnson

Frank Johnson, 86, of Kingston, Oklahoma, entered Heaven on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Texoma Medical Center in Sherman, Texas.

Frank was born at home in McClain County, Oklahoma, on October 20, 1939, to the late Homer Colbert Johnson and Mary Evelyn Ward Johnson. The second of four children, he was raised in Arizona and Purcell, Oklahoma.

Frank married the love of his life, Vicki Barwick, on October 29, 1993, in Whitesboro, Texas. Together, they shared more than three decades of love and devotion.

Frank’s athletic ability began opening doors during his years in Purcell. An exceptional football and track athlete, he earned All-State and All-American recognition and set track records that stood for decades. Between his junior and senior years of high school, Frank and his best friend joined the United States Army Reserve and attended basic training. His accomplishments in sports helped him attend the University of Tulsa and Murray State College.

Frank made a lasting difference in every community he called home. While living in Bristow, Oklahoma, he was deeply involved in the community, helping initiate the Indian Education program and JOM. He worked closely with tribal elders to lead and teach students, preserving connections to culture and community. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Bristow Fire Department.

Later, Frank moved to Madill, Oklahoma, where he became a foreman for OG&E. During his 35-year career as a lineman, he worked faithfully through storms, snow, and summer heat. He was also known for bringing fun and friendly competition to the job by organizing pole-climbing and pole-riding races.

Among the highlights of Frank’s distinguished professional and public service were being entrusted by Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby to help lead the development and growth of the Chickasaw Tribal Utility Authority into the multimillion-dollar entity it is today; serving on the Chickasaw Nation Legislature; serving on the Murray State College Board of Regents; and speaking at the Oklahoma State House of Representatives Native Caucus while building relationships and strengthening governments.

Outside of work, Frank loved riding horses, playing guitar, duck hunting with his friend Robert Blackwell, going to the coffee shop every morning and watching football every Friday night.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Vicki; his children, Frank Johnson Jr. and Lisa Johnson-Billy (Phillip); his bonus daughter, Brittany Gutierrez (Steve); his grandchildren, Alexis Park, Louden Johnson, Cole Johnson, Masheli Billy, Nahinli Billy, and Anoli Scott; and his great-grandchildren, Ellis Johnson, Wallace Billy, and Kalissi Scott.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Colbert Johnson and Mary Elvelyn Ward-Johnson; sister Geraldine Johnson, sister Rita Johnson, brother Joe Benjamin Johnson, former wife and mother of his children Beverly Jones Johnson

Frank’s life was defined by grit, tenacity, and adventure. He faced hard chapters, long miles, and difficult lessons with strength and perseverance, leaving a legacy of service, determination, and love.

Pallbearers will be Masheli Billy, Louden Johnson, Nahinli Billy, Cole Johnson, Caleb Scott, and Chris Parcell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Governor Bill Anoatubby, Ike Anderson, Mike Upton, Dale Upton, Don Keel, Don Thornton, Linda Briggs, Mike Talley, Ron Hartin, Carter Gipson and Steven Jolly.